A street artist known as 'La Dame Quicolle' has created a collage-mural depicting Gisele Pelicot, a victim of multiple rapes, as part of her 'Les Gardiennes De Rue' series, which denounces violence against women. The mural was unveiled in Lille, northern France, on October 16, 2024.
Gisele Pelicot, 71, has become a feminist symbol in France following the trial of her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and 50 other men accused of raping her. The trial, which began last month in Avignon, has sparked widespread outrage and a national debate on male violence.
Dominique Pelicot, also 71, is among the defendants, who range in age from 26 to 74. Many have denied the accusations. Gisele has attended most of the proceedings, often wearing round sunglasses and her signature bob haircut, which are featured in the portraits created by 'La Dame Quicolle'.
The artist, who started the series in 2021, aims to 'break the silence' and 'fill the No Girl's Land,' places where few women venture at night. Gisele's portraits, nearly life-size, include the inscription 'Portrait 22, Gisele P., guardians of the street. How to strengthen the position of women.'
Gisele's story has also inspired other artists. Aline Dessine, a Belgian graphic artist with 2.5 million TikTok followers, used her image for a poster supporting rape victims. Another artist, Maca, created a fresco in Gentilly, Paris, calling for 'shame to switch sides.' In Avignon, 'The Avignon Amazons' collective made a collage using Gisele's words from the trial: 'Since arriving in this courtroom I have felt humiliated.'
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